Stars of The Butler talk about their new White House roles

Forest Whitaker is centre stage in another slice of slightly sugary social history looking back at changing attitudes to race and class in the United States.

If you liked The Help and Driving Miss Daisy, you’ll warm to Whitaker’s noble White House servant, standing in the shadows of history but earning the respect of the world’s most powerful men, in The Butler.

Robin Williams and Forest Whitaker in The Butler

It’s based on the true story of Cecil Westfall, who served eight US presidents over more than 30 years.

Whitaker is in commanding form, Precious director Lee Daniels tells the story straight and there’s a star-studded supporting cast of presidents and other characters including Oprah Winfrey as his wife.